When it comes to making your home energy-efficient and comfortable year-round, air sealing is a powerful step you can take to enhance your living conditions. It’s a proactive measure, especially when insulating your attic, that puts you in control of your home’s energy usage and comfort levels.
What Is Air Sealing?
Air sealing is closing any gaps, cracks, seams, or holes in your home’s exterior shell — often called the “building envelope.” Whether you’re trying to keep out winter’s chill or summer’s heat, sealing these openings is the first line of defense in protecting your home from the elements.
Why Your Attic Needs Air Sealing
One of the most common trouble spots for air leaks is the attic floor, which also happens to be your home’s ceiling. During winter, warm air inside naturally rises and pushes against this barrier. If there are any gaps or holes—even small, mostly hidden near wall joints or light fixtures—heated air will escape.
And when warm air escapes, cold air pushes in from the outside and lower levels of the house, forcing your heating system to work overtime.
In summer, the effect flips: hot air from the attic infiltrates your living space, and your insulation acts like a giant filter for dust and allergens, making the air you breathe less clean and your home harder to cool.
A Tell-Tale Sign of Air Leaks
Ever noticed insulation that looks unusually dark or dirty in certain spots? That’s a clear sign of air movement. The dirt and dust are carried by escaping warm air from your home, marking the exact places where leaks exist.
Above is an example of interior wall top plate air leakage. See how dark/dirty the insulation looks where the 2X4 top plate meets the drywall. Wire penetrations should also be sealed. Leaving wire penetrations in the top plate unsealed isn’t just an energy loss issue—it’s also a fire safety code violation.
Air Seal Before You Insulate
Simply adding insulation isn’t going to address any air leakage. A properly air-sealed attic prevents this unwanted airflow, making your insulation far more effective. Together, air sealing and insulation will help your home maintain the desired temperature for longer periods — cutting energy costs and improving indoor comfort.
When it comes to attic insulation, we don’t cut corners — we seal them! 😉
Contact us today for a free estimate!
Summer Is Here! Is Your Attic Ready? or Intro to the “Stack and Draft Effect”
